A deadly midfield combination in Rieko Ioane and George Moala is awaiting the Sharks at Eden Park tonight.
There have been some changes to the Blues team with players lost to injury and others coming back to the squad from Injury.
In the backs, the loss of Sonny Bill Williams means that in‑form Rieko Ioane moves in to second five to form a formidable partnership with fellow All Black Moala.
Inside that is a new starting partnership with the elusive Jonathan Ruru given his chance to start alongside Stephen Perofeta, who has impressed in his two games off the bench since recovering from injury.
All Blacks Ofa Tuungafasi and Matt Duffie have been given one of their two mandated rest games which allows a first Super starts for Jordan Trainor on the right wing and popular North Harbour prop Mike Tamoaieta.
Northland’s Josh Goodhue, another who has recovered from injury and impressed in Development games, has his second game for the Blues at lock for the injured Scott Scrafton.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes thrashed the Rebels 50‑19 last night. The Chiefs claimed a deserved 27‑22 win over the Highlanders.
Today, the Blues will host the Sharks at 6.15pm while the Brumbies will take on the Waratahs at 8.45pm.
Tomorrow, the Bulls will host the Stormers at 3.15am while the Lions will take on the Crusaders 12.30am Monday.
Source: Superxv.com
